Talk Commerce

Brent W. Peterson

If you are seeking new ways to increase your ROI on marketing with your commerce platform, or you may be an entrepreneur who wants to grow your team and be more efficient with your online business. Talk Commerce with Brent W. Peterson draws stories from merchants, marketers, and entrepreneurs who share their experiences in the trenches to help you learn what works and what may not in your business. Keep up with the current news on commerce platforms, marketing trends, and what is new in the entrepreneurial world. Episodes drop every Tuesday with the occasional bonus episodes. You can check out our daily blog post and signup for our newsletter here https://talk-commerce.com

  1. Influencer Management Bridges Creativity and Commerce with Paige Kosinski

    15h ago

    Influencer Management Bridges Creativity and Commerce with Paige Kosinski

    Brent is joined by Paige Kosinski, co-founder of Odyssey Entertainment Group, an influencer talent management company that has grown from a boutique operation into a mid-size powerhouse. The conversation covers the evolution of the creator economy, the art of matching talent with brands, and the practical steps aspiring creators need to take to build sustainable careers. Whether you are a merchant looking to leverage influencer marketing or a creator hoping to monetize your platform, this episode delivers real-world guidance from someone who lives and breathes this space every single day. Key Takeaways Consistency beats follower count. Algorithms reward creators who show up regularly, and brands now prioritize engaged communities over raw follower numbers.Start with one clear focus. Creators should establish expertise in a single area before expanding into lifestyle content. That focus gives audiences a reason to stick around.Brand partnerships drive the bulk of creator revenue. Beyond one-off deals, long-term collaborations with aligned brands create stability for both the creator and the company.AI-generated content can backfire. Audiences are quick to spot avatar-driven or AI-produced material, and brands are even adding contract clauses to limit AI use in creative deliverables.The creator economy welcomes every generation. Gen X influencers are thriving on social platforms, proving that audience-building has no age requirement.Personal branding comes first. Monetization follows naturally when a creator invests in building a genuine, recognizable brand with clear content pillars.Cross-platform presence matters. Successful creators post across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest depending on where their audience lives.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Odyssey Entertainment Group01:53 The Evolution of Influencer Management05:11 Matching Influencers with Brands09:03 The Importance of Community and Niche10:07 Engaging Older Audiences11:11 Navigating Different Platforms12:39 Building a Personal Brand13:31 Public Speaking and Influencer Opportunities14:33 The Role of AI in Content Creation17:21 Getting Started as an Influencer18:55 Closing Thoughts and Promotions  Resources Odyssey Entertainment Group - https://www.odysseyentertainmentgroup.comErica Ver - PianyandHoney - https://www.instagram.com/pianyandhoneyWall Blush Modern Manor Collection - https://wallblush.com/collections/modern-manor

    20 min
  2. B2B Marketers Are Under Pressure and the C-Suite Needs to Pay Attention

    Jun 9

    B2B Marketers Are Under Pressure and the C-Suite Needs to Pay Attention

    Kathy Floam-Greenspan, founder of Palm Marketing, shares insights from her recent survey on B2B marketing challenges, the impact of AI, and strategies for maintaining focus in a rapidly changing environment. Takeaways Expectations are outpacing staffing and budgets in B2B marketing.Only 29% of marketers are confident in proving ROI with current tools.AI impacts strategy but is not a magic solution; human touch remains essential.Maintaining focus and a quarterly plan is key to marketing success. The full "Marketing Under Pressure" report is available for download athttps://pomagency.com/marketing-under-pressure-b2b-leaders/Learn more at https://pomagency.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cathy Floan-Greenspan and Palm Marketing02:45 The Evolution of B2B Marketing and Survey Insights05:30 Challenges in B2B Marketing: Resource Gaps and ROI08:03 The Role of AI in Marketing Strategies10:57 The Importance of Focus in Marketing13:45 Navigating Change in B2B Leadership16:29 The Wake-Up Call for C-Suite Executives19:06 Final Thoughts and Resources for Marketers

    22 min
  3. eTail Built a 25-Year Legacy in E-Commerce Events | Chet Silverman

    Jun 8

    eTail Built a 25-Year Legacy in E-Commerce Events | Chet Silverman

    Brent Peterson sits down with Chet Silverman, aka Mr. eTail, the Director of Sponsorships at eTail. With 25 years in the e-commerce conference space, Chet shares stories from the early dot-com crash days, how he convinced Google to exhibit before they were a household name, and why conferences remain the best way to connect with retail executives in a post-COVID world. He also breaks down the current AI startup boom and predicts where the technology is heading. Chapters 00:00 - Meet Mr. eTail: Chet's origin story and joining eTail after the dot-com bust01:05 - The evolution of e-commerce technology over 25 years01:59 - Cold-calling Google and convincing them to sponsor eTail Boston03:07 - The rise and fall of hot tech categories: CRM, mobile shopping, social commerce03:56 - Watching companies grow up at eTail, from startups to acquisitions05:12 - The AI explosion and why it will follow the mobile shopping pattern06:15 - Why companies should sponsor eTail and how COVID changed B2B sales07:23 - Quality vs. quantity: the 50/50 retailer-to-vendor ratio07:56 - Strategic timing: Palm Springs in February, Boston in August09:08 - eTail as a community and kicking off the e-commerce conference seasonKey Takeaways eTail maintains a rare 50/50 ratio of retailers to solution providersCOVID made conferences essential since decision-makers now work from homeAI will eventually become a standard feature from every retail tech vendor, not a standalone categoryeTail actively supports startups by offering free passes to help them enter the ecosystemPalm Springs kicks off the e-commerce season; Boston is the last stop before holiday lockdownGuest Info Chet Silverman - Director of Sponsorships, eTailKnown as Mr. eTail | 25 years in e-commerce events This has been produced in cooperation with Content Cucumberhttps://www.contentcucumber.com/ Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerceBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.socialApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1nTwitter: @talkingcommerceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerceWebsite: https://talk-commerce.com/

    11 min
  4. Africa's Investment Future Depends on Its Diaspora with Kanessa Muluneh

    Jun 2

    Africa's Investment Future Depends on Its Diaspora with Kanessa Muluneh

    Brent Peterson sits down with Kanessa Muluneh, the founder of Nyle Investment Group, to discuss what it really takes to build businesses and invest across the African continent. From navigating trust issues and cultural differences to launching a gaming company and a vitamin brand, this conversation covers the rewards and realities of emerging market investment. Whether you're a business owner exploring international expansion or a member of the diaspora considering a return to your roots, this episode delivers practical wisdom you won't find in a textbook. Key Takeaways Africa offers significant ROI, but requires serious due diligence. Kanessa stresses that the returns on investment across African markets can be substantial, yet the risks are equally real. Working with the wrong professionals or skipping proper vetting can lead to financial loss.PR and marketing expertise can transform small businesses. Kanessa's first investment involved trading her marketing skills for equity in a small plumbing company. That trade turned into a thriving business and sparked her career as an investor.The diaspora plays a critical role in Africa's economic growth. Nyle focuses on investing across the continent while encouraging Africans abroad to do the same, because many diaspora members have spent years building knowledge and seeing how strong economic systems work.Trust and local representation matter, but they can work both ways. In several African markets, consumers distrust locally made products by default, which creates a frustrating barrier for entrepreneurs building high-quality goods on the continent.Cultural intelligence is non-negotiable for market entry. Understanding how business gets done in a specific region requires more than speaking the language. It requires grasping negotiation styles, social dynamics, and local expectations.About Kanessa Muluneh Kanessa Muluneh is an Ethiopian-born, Netherlands-raised serial entrepreneur and investor currently based in Dubai. She has launched six businesses, selling four of them for a combined sum of over US$9.5 million. After building and scaling ventures across Europe, Muluneh returned to African markets with fluency in Western systems and an on-the-ground understanding of how business operates on the continent. That perspective now anchors Nyle, a pan-African investment firm connecting diaspora capital to scalable African businesses. She is also the founder of Mulu, a family lifestyle brand spanning more than 15 countries, and she shifted from medical studies to business early in her career, even Chapters:0:00 Introduction and Meet Kanessa Muluneh0:45 From Medical School to Building Businesses1:24 The Free Joke Project2:35 How Kanessa Started Investing in Africa5:00 Business Mistakes and Lessons Learned6:13 Why Africa's ROI Is Worth the Risk7:18 Selling Into India and Asian Markets8:35 Negotiation Culture and Pricing Psychology10:10 Selling Services Into Developing Countries11:14 Local Representation and Trust Issues13:21 Building a Vitamin Brand for Africa14:15 Rise of Fearless and the Gaming Industry17:50 Cultural Differences in Business Communication20:21 Bridging Cultural Gaps as a Diaspora Investor22:30 Ethiopia as an Investment Market24:40 Shameless Plug and Final Advice26:00 How to Connect with Kanessa Connect with Kanessa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanessa-muluneh-297984b2/ Follow Kanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanessamuluneh/orhttps://www.instagram.com/europeanhabesha/ This has been produced in cooperation with Content Cucumberhttps://www.contentcucumber.com/ Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerceBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.socialApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1nTwitter: @talkingcommerceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerceWebsite: https://talk-commerce.com/

    23 min
  5. Adapt or Die: AI's Real Impact on Ecommerce Development with Paul Byrne

    May 26

    Adapt or Die: AI's Real Impact on Ecommerce Development with Paul Byrne

    Brent Peterson and Paul Byrne discuss the near future of AI, particularly its implications for software development and coding. Paul shares insights from his new book 'Adapt or Die', focusing on the different types of AI learning, the importance of human oversight in AI applications, and the challenges faced in integrating AI into development processes. They explore the democratization of coding through AI tools, the economic implications for software agencies, and the future trajectory of AI technology. Takeaways AI is currently limited to type one learning, which is reactive.Type two learning in AI requires reflective thinking and goal-seeking capabilities.Human oversight is crucial in AI applications to handle exceptions and ensure quality.AI tools can significantly speed up development processes but cannot replace human developers.The democratization of coding allows non-technical individuals to engage in software development.AI's limitations can lead to wasted resources if not properly understood.The economic model for software development may shift towards fixed pricing due to AI efficiencies.AI can handle tedious tasks, freeing up developers for more complex work.The future of AI may involve running models on local machines for better control and privacy.Continuous adaptation to AI advancements is necessary for developers and agencies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and E-commerce02:46 Understanding AI Learning Types05:27 AI in Development: Tools and Use Cases07:58 The Role of Humans in AI Workflows10:59 Challenges and Limitations of AI13:50 Future of Software Development with AI16:17 The Democratization of Coding19:07 Economic Implications of AI in Development21:51 Closing Thoughts and Book Promotion 🔗 Get "Adapt or Die: The Real AI Playbook" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Adapt-Die-Playbook-Founders-Successfully-ebook/dp/B0GHPBGM7C 🔗  Learn more about Razoyo: https://razoyo.com

    27 min
  6. B2B Medical Aesthetics Desperately Needs a Digital Makeover | Keri Concannon & Olivia Schmid | Beauty Rep

    May 19

    B2B Medical Aesthetics Desperately Needs a Digital Makeover | Keri Concannon & Olivia Schmid | Beauty Rep

    Brent Peterson sits down with Keri Concannon, CEO and Co-Founder, and Olivia Schmid, COO of Beauty Rep — a groundbreaking platform transforming the way medical aesthetics practices discover, learn about, and purchase products from brands. Keri draws on over 20 years of sales experience in the aesthetics industry, including nearly a decade at Obagi Medical, to explain the frustrations that inspired Beauty Rep. From siloed teams to inefficient ordering processes (yes, some practices still fax orders!), the B2B side of medical aesthetics has long lagged behind the consumer world. Meanwhile, Olivia brings a unique perspective shaped by her time at Amazon, Galderma, Allergan, and even a career in law, all of which fuel her mission to bring a seamless, consumer-grade experience to the professional side of the business. Together, they discuss how Beauty Rep serves as a centralized hub where practices — from solo estheticians to large hospital systems — can access multiple brands, educational materials, marketing assets, and place orders in one intuitive platform. They explore the challenges of getting legacy sales reps on board, how AI is being woven into the platform under their trademarked "AesthetiTech" banner, and why the average practice now carries around 14 different brands, making streamlined access more critical than ever. The conversation also covers the evolving landscape of medical aesthetics, including the convergence of regenerative medicine, longevity, and wellness with traditional aesthetics, as well as how AI is influencing everything from injector training to the development of new product formulations. Keri and Olivia also share their outlook on the economy and the exciting momentum building in both the US and European markets. If you're in ecommerce, B2B sales, or the medical aesthetics industry, this is a must-watch episode packed with insights on digital transformation, the future of sales, and how to build platforms that truly serve the customer. Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction & Guest Backgrounds2:48 – Passions Outside of Work3:23 – Hockey, Minnesota & Life in Kona4:21 – The Free Joke Project5:05 – What Is Beauty Rep & Why It Exists6:47 – The 35% Sales Rep Problem8:18 – Bringing D2C Experience to B2B9:12 – Legacy Reps & Adapting to Digital Change11:13 – Adoption Challenges & "What's the Catch?"13:00 – How Beauty Rep Helps Sales Reps Daily14:49 – Industry Expectations & Education Access16:33 – AI, AesthetiTech & Smarter Selling18:13 – Legacy Systems: Faxes, PDFs & Hospital POs19:28 – Who Are Beauty Rep's Customers?20:26 – AI in Content & Medical Training22:57 – Economic Outlook: US & Europe25:03 – Shameless Plug: BeautyRep.com

    24 min
  7. AI Agents Are Reshaping Retail Media for CPG Brands with Sai Koppala

    May 12

    AI Agents Are Reshaping Retail Media for CPG Brands with Sai Koppala

    Sai Koppala, CMO of Commerce IQ, discusses the evolving landscape of retail media and the critical role of AI in optimizing marketing strategies. He highlights the importance of adapting to consumer behavior changes, leveraging automation, and the challenges brands face in a competitive market. The conversation also touches on the K-shaped economy and how it affects consumer purchasing decisions. Takeaways Sai Koppala is the CMO at Commerce IQ, focusing on marketing leadership in growth-stage companies.Commerce IQ helps CPG brands optimize their retail media shelf using AI.AI agents are becoming critical in retail, automating many processes.Retail media spend increased by 20% last year, but return on ad spend has decreased.AI can optimize retail media spend far more efficiently than human management.Long tail keywords are increasingly important due to changing consumer search behavior.Brands must adapt their content to be surfaced by AI agents like Rufus and Sparky.The go-to-market strategy has shifted from analytics to actionable insights and automation.AI washing is prevalent, making it hard for brands to choose the right technology.Understanding context is essential for effective AI implementation in retail. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Commerce IQ and Sai Koppala01:23 The Role of AI in Retail Media04:12 Optimizing Retail Media Spend with AI10:24 Evolving Go-to-Market Strategies14:38 Navigating the K-Shaped Economy

    16 min
  8. Retail Innovation Takes Center Stage at eTail Palm Springs with Isaac Morey

    May 7

    Retail Innovation Takes Center Stage at eTail Palm Springs with Isaac Morey

    Talk Commerce is back with another round of standout conversations from eTail Palm Springs. In this compilation episode, host Isaac Morey sits down with several e-commerce leaders who share their perspectives on AI adoption, brand authenticity, stable coin payments, and the future of online shopping. eTail Palm Springs has long served as a gathering point for retail and e-commerce professionals, and this episode captures the energy and forward-thinking spirit of the event. From plant-based nutrition to AI-powered personalization, the topics span the full spectrum of modern retail. Let's get into the highlights. Key Takeaways Brand authenticity and transparency are becoming non-negotiable for retailers and consumers alike.AI adoption remains a hot topic, but many brands struggle to move from experimentation to real-world implementation.Product data infrastructure is now a strategic priority as LLMs increasingly answer consumer questions about products.Conversational data from shoppers represents a largely untapped resource for personalization.Multi-retailer agentic checkout is emerging as a new model for product discovery and purchasing.Stable coin payment processing could significantly reduce transaction costs for merchants.Organizations that fail to plan for an AI-enabled future by 2027 risk falling behind.About the Guests Catherine Hayden, Chief Marketing Officer at Kate Farms: Catherine leads marketing for a medical nutrition company that produces plant-based, organic nutrition shakes and formulas for ages one through end of life. She spoke on a panel about authenticity and transparency at retail alongside brands like Patagonia and Sur La Table. Andy Lloyd and Ryan Murden, Brandfuel Team: Andy and Ryan from Brandfuel discussed the growing importance of product data management in an AI-driven world. Their platform helps brands centralize digital assets and maintain editorial control over how products are represented across LLMs and channels. Ian Patterson, Remark: Ian co-founded Remark, a company that provides AI personalization on brand websites by pairing shoppers with real human or AI shopping assistants. The company focuses on capturing and utilizing conversational data to create highly tailored shopping experiences. Sebastian Pflumm, Furniture.com: Furniture.com aggregates furniture from multiple retailers into one shopping destination. The company recently launched an AI agent named Dottie and a multi-retailer agentic checkout system. Ron Tarter, CEO and Founder of MNEE: Ron founded MNEE, a merchant acquiring network built on stable coins. The platform allows retailers to accept digital dollars in their existing checkout flow at a fraction of traditional card processing fees. Final Thoughts This compilation episode reinforces one clear message: standing still is not an option in e-commerce. Whether the conversation centers on AI personalization, product data strategy, agentic commerce, or payment innovation, every guest pointed toward the same conclusion. The brands that act now will lead tomorrow. The ones that wait will scramble to catch up. So as you think about your own retail strategy, ask yourself: are you building for the commerce of today, or are you already building for the commerce that is coming? Chapters 00:00 Introduction to eTale and Kate Farms02:43 The Importance of Authenticity and Transparency in Retail05:45 Navigating AI in E-commerce08:09 Brand Fuel's Role in AI Integration10:41 The Future of E-commerce and Consumer Experience13:49 Innovations in Furniture Shopping16:24 Disruption in Payment Systems18:09 Conclusion and Future Outlook

    21 min
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5
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

If you are seeking new ways to increase your ROI on marketing with your commerce platform, or you may be an entrepreneur who wants to grow your team and be more efficient with your online business. Talk Commerce with Brent W. Peterson draws stories from merchants, marketers, and entrepreneurs who share their experiences in the trenches to help you learn what works and what may not in your business. Keep up with the current news on commerce platforms, marketing trends, and what is new in the entrepreneurial world. Episodes drop every Tuesday with the occasional bonus episodes. You can check out our daily blog post and signup for our newsletter here https://talk-commerce.com

Information

  • Creator
    Brent W. Peterson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    430
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021-2024 - Talk Commerce
  • Show Website
    Talk Commerce